The two-factor authentication provided by a GoldKey token and PIN keeps your encrypted resources secure. You can also lock and unlock your computer with a GoldKey. For business, a Master token offers full management of individual tokens. It's not for the tech-phobic, but using a GoldKey will definitely raise your security overall level.

Your keychain holds keys to open your front door, start your car, and who knows what else. How would you like to add a key to unlock your computer? A GoldKey Security Token ($79, direct) does that job and moremuch more.

Gold or Iron?
GoldKey bears certain similarities to IronKey Personal S200 ($79 direct, 4 stars). Both feature a metal case with internal components protected by solid epoxy. Both are waterproof and tamper-resistant. IronKey has received FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification from the U.S. government; GoldKey is going through the certification process now. Both use on-board hardware for encryption, and both can store security certificates.

The biggest difference between the two is that IronKey is a secure USB storage device, while GoldKey is specifically a security token without storage. IronKey also comes with a secure browser and password manager installed; GoldKey's administrative software is a separate download. Both approaches have their virtues.

LOK-IT Secure Flash Drive ($76.25 direct, 4 stars) also comes in a FIPS-certified edition. It's strictly designed for secure transport of data and has an unusual on-board PIN-pad for authentication. Because authentication happens with no software on the host system, LOK-IT can be used with absolutely any device that supports USB storage.

Getting Started
When you first insert the GoldKey token it installs drivers, like any USB device. To complete the installation you also download and install the GoldKey software.

A new GoldKey must be personalized in a few simple steps. You give it a name, create a PIN, and record the answers to three security questions. Actually, it's more a password than a PIN, since it can consist of up to eight numbers, letters, and special characters.

Using a GoldKey gives you the benefit of two-factor authentication. One factor is the GoldKey itself (something you have), the other is the PIN (something you know).

Secure Drives
You'll want to create a primary secure drive right away. A secure drive is an encrypted storage container for sensitive files that can only be opened when the GoldKey token is present. Encrypt Stick 5.0 ($39.99 direct, 3 stars) offers a similar feature, creating encrypted vaults on any PC or in its own onboard storage, but GoldKey has some distinct advantages.

You can use GoldKey to create multiple secure drives, if desired. By default a secure drive unlocks automatically when the GoldKey is connected. You can disable this option, so the drive only unlocks when you choose to unlock it. You can also set a secure drive to open in read-only mode. The drive's size can't be changed after creation, though.

If you wish, you can specify that certain folders should be moved to the primary secure drive automatically after creation. These include the Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music folders.

Secure drives lock automatically when the token is removed. You can also configure the GoldKey software to lock all drives when the screen saver starts, when the system goes into sleep mode, or when the Windows session is locked. You can also set the software to lock the Windows session on removal of the GoldKey.

The software offers to tweak your Windows configuration for improved security. It's possible for high-tech forensic analysis to extract data from the hibernation file or from the Windows Swap file. GoldKey can disable hibernation for those who don't need it, and can set Windows to wipe the Swap file at shutdown.

Secured Folders and Files
When a secure drive is unlocked, you can move files in and out of it freely, as with any other drive. However, there's a better way to secure specific folders. Adding a folder to the Secured Folder list moves all of its contents to the secure drive, leaving a link to the new location in the folder's place. Encrypt Stick can also encrypt files and folders, but it doesn't offer this clever in-place encryption.

When the drive is unlocked, programs can use the files from the secured folder just as if they were still in their original location. When it's locked, no access is possible. There's also an option to encrypt specific files or folders by right-clicking and choosing the GoldKey option from the context menu.

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Automatic Renewal Program: Your subscription will continue without interruption for as long as you wish, unless
you instruct us otherwise. Your subscription will automatically renew at the end of the term unless you authorize
cancellation. Each year, you'll receive a notice and you authorize that your credit/debit card will be charged the
annual subscription rate(s). You may cancel at any time during your subscription and receive a full refund on all
unsent issues. If your credit/debit card or other billing method can not be charged, we will bill you directly instead. Contact Customer Service